Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of "import" primarily refers to the act of bringing goods or commodities into a country or region from another. This practice was essential for the economic and cultural development of ancient societies, including those mentioned in the Bible. The importation of goods facilitated trade, influenced cultural exchanges, and played a significant role in the daily lives of the people.Biblical References to Import 1. Trade and Commerce: The Bible provides numerous examples of trade and the importation of goods. Solomon's reign is particularly noted for its extensive trade networks. In 1 Kings 10:22 , it is recorded, "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." This passage highlights the importation of luxury items and exotic goods, which were symbols of wealth and prosperity. 2. Materials for Construction: The importation of materials was crucial for significant building projects, such as the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 5:10-11 , it is noted, "So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted, and Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat as food for his household, and twenty thousand baths of pure olive oil. Solomon did this for Hiram year after year." This exchange underscores the importance of imported materials in fulfilling God's plans for His people. 3. Cultural and Religious Influence: The importation of goods often brought with it cultural and religious influences. While trade could lead to prosperity, it also posed spiritual challenges. In Nehemiah 13:16 , we read, "Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah—in Jerusalem itself!" This passage illustrates the tension between economic activity and religious observance, as the importation of goods on the Sabbath was seen as a violation of the law. 4. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets often warned against the dangers of relying too heavily on foreign imports and alliances. In Isaiah 2:6-7 , the prophet laments, "For You have abandoned Your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east; they are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they clasp hands with the children of foreigners. Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures. Their land is full of horses; there is no end to their chariots." Here, the importation of foreign goods and practices is linked to spiritual decline and idolatry. Economic and Spiritual Implications The importation of goods in biblical times had both economic and spiritual implications. Economically, it allowed for the exchange of resources and the enrichment of societies. However, it also brought challenges, particularly when foreign influences threatened to lead the Israelites away from their covenant with God. The Bible often emphasizes the need for discernment in trade and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God's commandments amidst the influx of foreign goods and ideas. Conclusion The concept of import in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing economic prosperity, cultural exchange, and spiritual challenges. Through the narratives and teachings found in Scripture, believers are reminded of the importance of balancing material wealth with spiritual integrity, ensuring that trade and commerce do not lead to compromise in their relationship with God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To bring in from abroad; to introduce from without; especially, to bring (wares or merchandise) into a place or country from a foreign country, in the transactions of commerce; -- opposed to export. We import teas from China, coffee from Brazil, etc.2. (v. t.) To carry or include, as meaning or intention; to imply; to signify. 3. (v. t.) To be of importance or consequence to; to have a bearing on; to concern. 4. (v. i.) To signify; to purport; to be of moment. 5. (n.) Merchandise imported, or brought into a country from without its boundaries; -- generally in the plural, opposed to exports. 6. (n.) That which a word, phrase, or document contains as its signification or intention or interpretation of a word, action, event, and the like. 7. (n.) Importance; weight; consequence. Greek 1537. ek -- from, from out of ... Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion. (ek) -- 680 Occurrences. (ex) -- 247 Occurrences. 1536, 1537. ek or ex. 1538 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1537.htm - 7k 1909. epi -- on, upon 1519. eis -- to or into (indicating the point reached or entered ... 1722. en -- in, on, at, by, with Strong's Hebrew 4161. motsa -- a place or act of going forth, issue, export ...... place or act of going forth, issue, export, source, spring NASB Word Usage east (1), exits (3), fountains (1), going (2), going forth (1), import (1), imported ... /hebrew/4161.htm - 6k Library Import of the Title Son of Man, as Used by Christ Himself ... Import of the Title Son of God. Import of the Great Commission. The Change of Water into Wine. --Character and Import of The The Phenomena at the Baptism, and their Import. Christ's Salutation of Peace; Its Import. (John, xiv. , 27, Seq. ) Forms of Prayer. --The Lord's Prayer; Its Occasion and Import. ... Choice of the Seventy. (Luke, X. ) --Import of the Number "Seventy ... Whether the Name "Word" Imports Relation to Creatures? The Divine Commands which are Most Suited to the Will Itself ... Thesaurus Import (2 Occurrences)... We import teas from China, coffee from Brazil, etc. 2. (vt) To carry or include, as meaning or intention; to imply; to signify. ...Import (2 Occurrences). ... /i/import.htm - 7k Sound (1245 Occurrences) Eternal (166 Occurrences) Persian (4 Occurrences) Year (4027 Occurrences) Value (138 Occurrences) Jachin (8 Occurrences) Laws (184 Occurrences) General (9 Occurrences) Galatia (6 Occurrences) Resources What is Pauline Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgAre mono-ethnic churches, churches that focus on a specific race or ethnic group, following a biblical model? | GotQuestions.org How can I find joy in the midst of trials? | GotQuestions.org Import: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Import (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 10:28 2 Chronicles 1:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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